Latest news with #BMWiX3
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
BMW's electric 2 Series will come as a sedan, not a coupe. Will it come to India?
BMW i2 is expected to launch by 2030. BMW i2 is expected to launch by 2030 and it will replace the 2 Series coupe. BMW's Neues Klasse architecture, which has been designed and developed exclusively for electric cars, will underpin a range of new products. The BMW iX3 based on this platform, is slated to debut soon, followed by the BMW i3 sometime shortly after. The German luxury carmaker is also working on an i2, which will be different compared to the current 2 Series lineup. It is expected to come as a four-door sedan with an electric propulsion system. BMWBlog has reported that the upcoming BMW i2 electric sedan will serve as an entry-level model for the brand's EV portfolio. The report also states that the upcoming i2 will prioritise spaciousness and usability. Currently, the auto giant offers three versions of the BMW 2 Series - coupe or convertible, active tourer and gran coupe. Hence, spawning a new body style will be a major change. The report also claims that the electric i2 won't go on sale until 2030. Also Read : Upcoming cars in India The new BMW i2 claims to replace the fossil fuel-propelled 2 Series coupe. BMW has no plan to launch a successor to the car with an internal combustion engine. This could spell the end of the highly popular BMW M2 performance car. The BMW i2 claims to come with a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive setup, which means it will appeal to the fun-loving driving enthusiasts. When the BMW i2 goes on sale, it will come powered by the car manufacturer's sixth-generation battery technology. The new battery packs use cylindrical-shaped cells, which the OEM claims can increase range and charging speed by up to 30 per cent compared to the current models. Also, these cylindrical-shaped battery cells claim to generate fewer emissions during manufacturing. BMW has not revealed anything officially so far about the launch timeframe of the electric i2. Also, the carmaker has not revealed anything about the possibility of the car's India launch. However, we can expect it to be rolled out in the Indian market, which is one of the fastest-growing electric car markets globally. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 05 May 2025, 06:31 AM IST
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV revealed with 435-plus-mile range
Hyundai has reaffirmed its commitment to hydrogen-powered cars, revealing the second generation of its Nexo fuel-cell SUV. Based on the Initium concept car shown last year, it introduces a new design language dubbed Art of Steel, which will distinguish the brand's future FCEVs from their battery-electric and combustion-engined counterparts. Details reserved for Hyundai's new hydrogen cars include the new Nexo's grid-shaped 'H-two' front and rear lights, as well as H-shaped surfaces on the front and rear bumpers. The latter are finished in a flat silver shade, highlighting them against the colour of the car's flat-black body cladding. As well as looking radically different to its predecessor, the new Nexo is a longer, taller and wider car, repositioning it as an alternative to battery-powered EVs such as the BMW iX3 and Tesla Model Y. Hyundai said this – combined with a slimmer seat design – means there is now room for second-row passengers in every sense, from headroom down to legroom. The Nexo also receives the same 'connected cockpit' dashboard as the Ioniq 5 featuring a pair of 12.3in displays: one for instrumentation, and the other an infotainment touchscreen. To boot, the car's traditional mirrors are replaced with cameras (displayed on large screens on either flank of the dashboard). Under the skin, the second-generation Nexo brings a completely reworked powertrain. Its fuel cell stack's electrical output has been increased by 16%, to 110kW. Hyundai said it is also more durable and operates over a wider range of temperatures. Meanwhile, the battery's maximum output has doubled, now delivering up to 80kW. Such developments allowed the fitment of a 201bhp electric motor, significantly punchier than the previous car's 161bhp unit. This cuts its 0-62mph sprint time down from 9.2sec to 7.8sec. In addition, the car's hydrogen tank capacity has grown from 6.33kg to 6.69kg which, in combination with the new and more efficient powertrain, boosts its range to more than 435 miles per fill-up. There is also vehicle-to-load capacity, allowing the Nexo to connect to external devices and effectively act as a hydrogen-powered generator. Hyundai said the new car is due to come to 'global markets this year', but it has yet to commit to offering it in the UK. Autocar understands it sold fewer than 50 examples of that car here between 2019 and 2022, and the nation's filling infrastructure has thinned significantly since then. According to UK H2 Mobility, there are currently four hydrogen filling stations for light vehicles across the entire UK. However, previous CEO Jaehoon Chang (now vice-chair of the Hyundai Motor Group) said last year that hydrogen cars were a 'chicken and egg' issue, on which the brand planned to lead the charge. This suggests the car could be offered in the UK in spite of low sales and weak infrastructure. ]]>
Trade Arabia
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- Trade Arabia
BMW iX3 launch to kick off release of 40 new models
The BMW Group is entering the financial year 2025 with a clear commitment to growth. At the end of this year, the first production model of the NEUE KLASSE, the new BMW iX3, will kick off an unprecedented ramp-up of new models: Across all drivetrain variants and all segments, the BMW Group will release more than 40 new and updated vehicles onto the market by 2027. "What these new models have in common is that they will be equipped with future technology clusters, which will be rolled out successively across the entire portfolio with the launch of the NEUE KLASSE," said said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. 'We are taking a huge leap forward with our new technology clusters – achieving maximum scalability, increasing the level of innovation and enhancing customer benefits. We do not differentiate between segments or drivetrain technologies – we provide every customer with the latest technology,' said Zipse. 'What has always set the BMW Group apart is our ability to maintain our course, even in challenging conditions. We remain clearly focused on two things – our near term performance and our long-term perspective,' said Zipse. 'With the NEUE KLASSE, we are implementing the biggest future-focused project in the history of our company, while at the same time achieving a robust free cash flow.' Consistent implementation of strategy The BMW Group made extensive investments in innovative technologies, its model line-up and manufacturing footprint worldwide in 2024. There will be a decrease in expenditure this year, from the planned peak in R&D spending and capital expenditure last year. On this basis, the company is aiming for a profit before taxes at the previous year's level – despite increased tariffs, the statement said. 'Never before in the history of BMW have we invested so extensively in our future. Investment reached its highest level in 2024, as planned. This underlines the durability of our strategy – and how consistently we are implementing it,' said Walter Mertl, member of the Board of Management, Finance. Technology openness as strategic success factor in global competition The diversity of its product range remains a key success factor for the BMW Group: The company is well positioned to meet globally diverse requirements and customer needs – both today and in the future – with a broad drivetrain portfolio spanning internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric drive trains and, starting in 2028, also fuel-cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen, it said. Highly efficient internal combustion engines, which remain in high demand worldwide, will continue to play a key role. Last year alone, the company released more than 15 new or updated models with internal combustion engines onto the roads. All engines have been approved for higher percentages of renewable fuels for years. Fuels with lower CO2 content are the most effective way to reduce the carbon footprint of the existing fleet of over 250 million vehicles in Europe alone, making a valuable contribution to the transport sector's efforts in the fight against climate change, the compnay said. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) remain the BMW Group's main growth driver. The company's broad all-electric offer comprises more than 15 models across all brands. This means the BMW Group has a fully-electric offer in all its main segments. In 2024, the BMW Group significantly increased its total BEV sales worldwide to 426,536 units (+13.5%), representing a sales share of more than 17%. At MINI, about one in four vehicles is fully-electric; at Rolls-Royce, it is already one in three. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) also remain an essential element of the BMW Group's technology-open approach and electrification of its model range: State-of-the-art BMW PHEV models enable an all-electric range of over 100 kilometres, thus making it relevant for a large proportion of typical driving situations and also making a substantial contribution to CO 2 reduction. In total, the BMW Group delivered nearly 600,000 electrified vehicles including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs and BEVs) to customers in 2024. This means almost one in four vehicles sold was electrified, it said. Electrified deliveries reach new all-time high The company will reach two major milestones in 2025: first, three million electrified vehicles on the roads since the launch of the BMW i3 and BMW i8 and, second, 1.5 million fully-electric vehicles delivered to cus-tomers. First hydrogen production vehicle to be released in 2028 In 2028, the BMW Group will become the first premium manufacturer worldwide to release a series production fuel-cell vehicle, offering its customers another emission free drivetrain option. To this end, the BMW Group is deepening its cooperation with Toyota Motor Corporation: Both partners will jointly develop the drive system for passenger cars, which will then be used in a brand-specific way in the two manufacturers' respective models. The planned BMW vehicle will fit seamlessly into the brand's portfolio, where it will be available alongside other drive train options, the company said. NEUE KLASSE is laying the foundation Series production of the NEUE KLASSE will get underway in late 2025. The first production vehicle of this new generation of BMW models will have the model name BMW iX3. Series production of this SAV model, which was foreshadowed by the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X last year, will begin late this year at Plant Debrecen – the first plant in the BMW Group production network to exclusively build fully-electric vehicles. Since late 2024, the plant has been producing pre-series vehicles for testing. The BMW iX3 kicks off an unprecedented model ramp-up up to 2027: The launches of more than 40 models of all drivetrain variants will follow in quick succession; including a sporty sedan that is core to the BMW brand, which will be launched in 2026. With the series launch of the BMW iX3, the new technology clusters will also be integrated throughout the entire BMW product line-up based on the established modularity principle. Digital nervous system for 'Software-Defined Vehicle' For the next stage in its customer and driving experience, the BMW Group has completely redesigned the components, functionality and connectivity its 'Software Defined Vehicle'. The result is an entirely restructured digital nervous system – consisting of a new electrical system with zonal architecture, a refined software architecture and four 'super-brains'. These high-performance computers cluster the computing power for key customer functionality around infotainment, automated driving, driving dynamics and basic functions, such as vehicle access, air conditioning and comfort. In this way, the BMW Group is centralising and significantly reducing the number of electronic control units, while simultaneously providing well over 20 times more in-car computing power in the vehicle. This already ensures that the electronic control units will also be capable of accommodating future software and function updates, including AI features. The zonal architecture comprising four zones, will substantially increase the vehicle's efficiency: On the one hand, this radically simplifies the electrical system – 600 metres less wiring also reduces weight by 30%. On the other hand, the use of 'smart eFuses' allows unnecessary energy consumption to be deactivated in certain situations, such as when the vehicle is parked or charging. Developers are working on well over 1,000 software modules with more than 500 million lines of code to further enhance the software architecture of the new digital 'nervous system'. Overall, the redesign of the electronics architecture enables a quantum leap in performance, integration capability and efficiency. New innovations can be relayed much faster to the vehicle through over-the-air upgrades, ensuring the car remains up to-date – even when the next vehicle generation is already on the market. Over the course of the year, the BMW Group targets to increase the number of 'over the air update' capable vehicles on the roads to over ten million. Next-level driving experience Ten times faster than previous systems, developed entirely in-house and delivering maximum integration – with the 'Heart of Joy' and new 'BMW Dynamic Performance Control', the BMW Group is set to achieve a quantum leap in driving experience: For the first time, the new highly integrated control unit – that will be used in every fully electric BMW in the future – combines drivetrain and driving dynamics functions. Integrated control of the drive train, braking and recuperation takes efficiency to the next level: In 98% of driving situations, the conventional brake does not need to intervene – the recuperation braking power is sufficient. As a result, the 'Heart of Joy' increases overall efficiency by up to 25%, BMW said. The performance capabilities and potential of the 'Heart of Joy' are showcased in the BMW Vision Driving Experience. In this new high-performance test vehicle, the functionality of the electronic control unit is tested under extreme conditions: The Vision Vehicle develops a torque of up to 18,000 Nm. The logic behind this: If the system can handle such a powerful high-performance vehicle, it will also be capable of managing the requirements of future production models. The BMW Vision Driving Experience will showcase the capabilities of the 'Heart of Joy' in April at the Auto Shanghai 2025. Focus on driver orientation: The new BMW Panoramic iDrive More than 20 years ago, the BMW Group set the benchmark for driver orientation and intuitive operability with its iDrive system. Starting in the new BMW iX3, the company is taking the next step by launching a completely new display and a new highly intelligent operating system. The clear objective is to reinterpret the brand's hallmark 'hands on the wheel, eyes on the road' approach and develop it into the future. With 'BMW Panoramic iDrive', the central interface for driver-vehicle interaction is being totally redesigned. At the heart of this new system is BMW Panoramic Vision – a completely newly-developed concept that projects content across the full width of the windscreen. It is rounded off by three other new components: the BMW 3D head-up display, the central display and the multifunction steering wheel. The entire system is operated either by touch or voice control via BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which is taken to a new level through a Large Language Model (LLM). The intelligent backbone of the new Panoramic iDrive is formed by the new BMW Operating System X, which was developed entirely in-house and is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack, delivering significant update and upgrade capabilities. The new operating system enables optimal coordination and distribution of content in the vehicle across Panoramic iDrive's four elements. At the same time, it offers customers maximum personalisation and customisation, tailored to their individual preferences and needs. Sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology The BMW Group is launching the sixth generation of its eDrive technology in the electric models of the NEUE KLASSE. The system comprises three significantly enhanced components: the high-voltage battery, the electric motor and the 'BMW Energy Master': The latter operates as the control unit for the entire electric drive system, has been developed completely in-house and will be manufactured in the BMW Group Plant in Landshut. In the future, the BMW Group will use round cells and an 800-volt system for its high voltage battery. This combination heralds a major breakthrough at both cell and vehicle levels: 20% higher energy density, 30% faster charging and at least 30% more range. The round cells are integrated and wired directly into the battery housing. With this new concept, the BMW Group is aiming to reduce costs for the high voltage battery by 40 to 50 percent. For its e-drive, the BMW Group relies on a highly flexible and scalable modular system. The basis for this is provided by DC-excited Synchronous Motors (SSMs) that are developed and produced in-house. Vehicles with xDrive come with the option of Asynchronous Motors (ASMs) installed on the front axle, reducing energy loss by 40% and weight by 10%. In the future, customers will be able to choose between models with one, two, three or four electric motors. - TradeArabia News Service
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW iX3 EV Is on the Way, Then a Sedan—and Neue Klasse ICE Models
BMW is doing some extreme climate testing of its Neue Klasse vehicles, one of which is set to be revealed in September and starting production this year. That's the BMW iX3, a two-row all-electric crossover that is smaller than the iX EV, which went on sale in November 2021. The iX3 will be revealed at the IAA Mobility show in Munich in early September, with production starting late this year in Debrecen, Hungary, at BMW's first plant dedicated solely to fully electric vehicles. Following the iX3 will be more than 40 models of all drivetrain variants "in quick succession," including a "sporty sedan" as the second Neue Klasse vehicle in 2026. In 2027, BMW's main plant in Munich will begin building EVs as well, based on growing demand. But the Neue Klasse platform will be flexible and its vehicles will not be solely battery-electric, as clarified today in Munich by BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse at the annual press conference. "We make no distinctions—whether we are talking about combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, all-electric vehicles or, from 2028, a hydrogen-powered car. Our approach is also gaining increasing recognition in political circles. Even our competitors are pivoting towards our strategy. We have proven that technological openness, growth, and CO₂ reduction are very much compatible." An adaptable platform that can accommodate all propulsion systems makes sense right about now, as EV sales have slowed and as political winds have shifted in some parts of the world. But BMW isn't backing away from EVs. "Battery-electric vehicles continue to be our main growth driver," Zipse says. Bucking the trend, BMW Group grew EV sales 13% to 426,536 units worldwide in 2024, representing a sales share of more than 17%.BMW iX3 EV (left) and the "sporty sedan" begin Neue Klasse iX3 EV (left) and the "sporty sedan" begin Neue Klasse iX3 EV (left) and the "sporty sedan" begin Neue Klasse iX3 EV and the "sporty sedan" begin Neue Klasse iX3 EV (right) and the "sporty sedan" begin Neue Klasse iX3 EV begins Neue Klasse iX3 EV begins Neue Klasse iX3 EV begins Neue Klasse iX3 EV begins Neue Klasse iX3 EV begins Neue Klasse iX3 EV begins Neue Klasse sport sedan is second Neue Klasse sport sedan is second Neue Klasse sport sedan is second Neue Klasse sport sedan is second Neue Klasse iX3 EV begins Neue Klasse sport sedan is second Neue Klasse Neue Klasse sedans—but which one launches first? BMW isn't Neue Klasse sedans—but which one launches first? BMW isn't Neue Klasse sedans—but which one launches first? BMW isn't this the first Neue Klasse sedan to launch? BMW isn't this the first Neue Klasse sedan to launch? BMW isn't this the first Neue Klasse sedan to launch? BMW isn't this the first Neue Klasse sedan to launch? BMW isn't this the first Neue Klasse sedan to launch? BMW isn't this the first Neue Klasse sedan to launch? BMW isn't saying.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW Neue Klasse platform to reduce price of EVs and add range
New electric powertrain technology will allow the BMW Group to launch electric cars at a cheaper price while offering more range and better efficiency than today's cars, the firm has claimed. The Munich company has been working on an entirely new electric vehicle architecture, which will start to be rolled out with its forthcoming line of Neue Klasse models. Now labelled 'Gen6', the platform will first be used for the next BMW iX3, which will be unveiled in September and was previewed with the Vision Neue Klasse SUV concept. The 800V platform is claimed by BMW to be a 'quantum leap forward' in terms of technology compared with today's offerings. 'Neue Klasse is not just a new car: it is a new technology,' said BMW Group purchasing and supply board member Joachim Post. The scalable platform will eventually be used by all BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce EVs from their respective next generations. It is centred around a new nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery that uses cylindrical cells that are 20% denser and easier to package than modules (made up of square cells) found in today's 'Gen5' lithium-iron packs. The headline figures are that these new batteries increase range by 30%, efficiency by 20% and charging speeds by 30% (with bi-direction capabilities) and they reduce production costs by up to 50% compared with today's packs. BMW has yet to disclose a capacity for the batteries that will be fitted. These reduced costs - achieved by most of the development and assembly now being done in-house – will be passed onto buyers, said Post, instead of being swallowed as extra profit. 'It is important to be competitive in the market from the price range in terms of reachability for the customers,' he said, adding that this will allow the firm to push for price parity between ICE cars and EVs. To give an idea of the technology's advancement, that range boost applied to the recently refreshed BMW iX – which in xDrive 60 form offers the most miles per charge in the brand's stable – would increase its maximum range by 129 miles to 555 miles, with the ability to also add 186 miles in as little as 10 minutes. Key to the technological advancements are the new cylindrical cells. They are built in-house in two sizes: either 95mm or 120mm tall and 46mm wide. In both instances, they are easy to package because they do not require modules to fit them together like today, said BMW. As such, they can be attached directly to the pack (called cell-to-pack) which not only saves money because fewer parts are used, but also reduces the weight and size of the batteries, allowing for slimmer batteries. As part of a 'clean sheet way of thinking', these packs are then bolted directly onto the bottom of the chassis and used as the base of the car. Today's packs, for example, are fitted under the floor of the car, rather than forming the floor. This new technique, BMW said, increases the chassis's structural integrity, optimises car integration, saves money on parts, reduces weight and maximises interior space. What's more, it means no additional battery housings are required. Coupled with the new sleek pack, this allows for sleeker, flatter and more aerodynamic car designs, potentially eliminating one of the major design hallmarks of today's high-sided EVs. To maximise interior space within this set-up and keep the cars' heights as low as possible, BMW will unusually bolt the front seats directly to the pack, with the batteries' energy master (which manages energy output and thermal levels) positioned below the rear seats. New and updated motors are similarly important to the Gen6's advancements. The core drivetrain is the electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM), introduced with the first-generation iX3 in 2018. It has, until now, been the only motor option offered on a BMW Group EV. This has now been heavily enhanced with an adapted inverter design, new water/oil cooling system, fettled weight and the single-speed gearbox integrated into its outer casing. It is offered in four variants that range from 270bhp to 400bhp and is exclusively attached to the rear axle, where up to two can be fitted – both, BMW suggests, with independent gearboxes. It weighs 120kg. New with the Gen6 platform is a small asynchronous motor (ASM) motor. Weighing just 70kg, it is offered with either 161bhp or 241bhp. It is fitted exclusively to the front axle, where – like the EESM – two can be used. This means BMW can now offer tri- and quad-motor configurations alongside the single- and dual-motor set-ups that are currently the only choices in today's cars. The motors have been configured for use in all models from entry-level cars to top-rung M cars. BMW's M performance division has been involved in the motor development process to enable this, BMW said. A key brief for the new motors was efficiency. When they are combined in a dual-motor set-up, the number of miles that are lost through inefficiency is reduced by 40% compared with two last-generation EESMs. What's more they are 20% cheaper to make and weigh 10% less. 'The motors are an important contributor to the Gen6 powertrain,' said BMW. One limiting factor of the new platform is that because the ASM does not house a gearbox, it cannot be fitted on its own, meaning future BMW Group cars, such as the iX1 and Mini models, are unlikely to be offered with a single-motor, front-wheel-drive set-up. One reason for this decision is because a rear-wheel-drive set-up is 'better for dynamics', BMW engineers told Autocar. These motors, like the batteries, are developed and built in-house at five factories across four continents. With as many of the required production materials as possible collected within the markets in which they are built, this 'ensures efficiency and enhances robustness against natural or political headwinds in the future,' said Post. ]]>
